Kendyl Smith-Trimm Caring for Kids Endowment Fund launches
Peter L. Smith
L’ISLE-AUX-ALLUMETTES – Cheryl Smith-Trimm, Pat Trimm, family and community members gathered at the Upper Pontiac Sports Complex, September 14, to remember Kendyl Smith-Trimm who lost her life to cancer (osteosarcoma) last August at 8 years old. The event marked the creation of the Kendyl Smith-Trimm Caring for Kids Endowment Fund with CHEO, which supports family assistance and child life programs, and raised funds for the cause.
Streamers, butterflies, balloons and photo boards of Kendyl adorned the walls and ceiling of the Sports Complex. A video of Kendyl with her family was also shown. Her family joined hands on the dance floor for the first dance in her memory as one of Kendyl’s favourite songs played, “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” by The Beatles. Volunteer musicians provided entertainment.
A silent auction, 50/50 draw, and proceeds from many online draws in the weeks prior to the event also contributed to the fundraising.
Sandra Smith, Kendyl’s aunt, shared memories about the amazing, generous and caring girl Kendyl was. “It seems appropriate we celebrate this special event in September as it’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and Kendyl would’ve celebrated her 10th birthday on September 29. On one of Kendyl’s return trips from CHEO, she spoke to her parents, Cheryl and Pat, about how many other sick children at CHEO needed support. She said: “When I grow up, I ‘m going to open a toy store and we [family members] will all work for free. I will give all the money to CHEO to help the kids get better.” said Sandra.
Sandra also shared a touching story of Kendyl’s compassion for others: “On one of Reverend Holly’s visits to Kendyl, he spoke about how a fellow priest, Fr. Grant Neville, was also very sick. Kendyl was so touched by the story she invited Fr. Holly to pick a stuffed animal from her zoo and give it to Fr. Neville. Although they’d never met, a special bond was created. Fr. Neville was so touched by the gesture he recorded a video and sent it to Kendyl to say thanks.” she reminisced.
“Kendyl taught us how to trust and love unconditionally, to be selfless and realize we can do hard things,” concluded Sandra.
Kendyl’s parents also shared their memories in an emotional speech. “We think she’s smiling down on us all night tonight…As I was getting ready tonight, a very special thing happened. On my bed I found a necklace I hadn’t seen since last August. It was an adoption gift we had bought for Kendyl. When Kendyl first came to live with us in February 2020, we had many what-ifs; will she like living with us? Are we too old to be parents? Can we provide for her? Our concerns were quickly answered by Kendyl. All we had to do was listen and everything worked out perfectly.
“Sandra spent many hours with Kendyl during her illness. Kendyl, despite being gravelly ill, showed her love and appreciation to Sandra by having us buy her flowers. Kendyl was the heartbeat of our family, and she brought everyone together tonight to honour her memory. We can’t thank the staff at CHEO and her caregivers from the Pembroke hospital enough. Her spirit is here with us tonight,” concluded Cheryl.
Proceeds weren’t available at press time.
